Marsha Vucovich and Reid Pinion are the mother-son leadership team at Fresno Equipment Co., which is three generations strong. Photo by Devon Jacoby/Backstory Creative

For more than six decades, Fresno Equipment Co. has been a mainstay in the Central Valley’s farming community as a trusted dealer of John Deere products and more.

The FOBA awards program was held at Pardini’s in Fresno on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The Business Journal online will feature stories about the winners in the coming days.

Founded in 1961 by Mark Vucovich and William Hansen, Fresno Equipment Co. launched with locations in Fresno, Five Points and Firebaugh, replacing the former Budd & Quinn store in Downtown Fresno. Within two years, Vucovich became the sole owner, starting a family legacy that continues to this day.

In 1967 the business streamlined with the sale of its Firebaugh store. But the company soon grew as Vucovich’s children joined the company in the 1970s, contributing further to its growth and reputation. In 1998, Fresno Equipment opened a new 46,000 square-foot facility, continuing its upward trajectory in the Central Valley’s ag industry.

In 2010, Fresno Equipment was named Ag Business of the Year by Baker, Peterson & Franklin. Later that year, ownership transitioned to second-generation leader Marsha Vucovich, who continues today as CEO. Joined by her son, Reid Pinion, and alongside General Manager Joseph Ayerza and Sales Manager Jimmy Perry, they oversee a workforce of nearly 100 employees across their two locations in Fresno and Five Points.

 

“Our business is more than just a company, it’s a reflection of our family’s values, perseverance, and commitment to serving our community,” said Vucovich. “Being recognized would be a tribute to everyone who has contributed to our journey and success for more than 60 years.”

Fresno Equipment prides itself on being a mainstay not only in the local ag industry, but also as a staple of leadership in community involvement; Fresno Equipment supports local organizations including the Ag One Foundation, Fresno County Farm Bureau, Nisei Farmers League and California Ag Leadership Foundation. They also fund local scholarships, investing in local FFA and 4-H programs, as well as hosting educational workshops for both students and growers.

Vucovich also established an endowment at Fresno State in her father’s honor, with a goal of continued support of agricultural professionals.

In addition to Vucovich’s leadership and support of youth and local education, Pinion has also served with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and has worked with Leadership Fresno, helping launch Valley Teen Ranch’s Sierra Crossing project, a recently-completed 95-unit affordable-housing complex for young adults and families in the Valley.

Now in its third generation of leadership, Fresno Equipment remains committed to the values on which it was founded: integrity, customer service and respect. For the family behind the business, success is measured not just in sales growth, but in enduring relationships with growers, local businesses and the community as a whole.